Business leaders from two north-east towns have started cashing in on expert advice from retail tsars.
Representatives of a dozen firms from the coastal towns of Banff and Macduff gathered at Banff Castle to meet with retail consultant Gordon Bell.
Mr Bell is director of The Retail Group, which specialises in bolstering established businesses in Scotland and abroad.
Alongside Aberdeenshire Council, the consultancy firm officially launched the Retail Plus Scheme at the castle event last week.
Now the 12 local businesses, as well as many more who have registered their interest in the scheme, can get expert advice as well as apply for £2,000 of grant funding from the local authority.
The local authority’s regeneration boss Christine Webster said: “I am delighted with the interest that the scheme has received from local businesses and we look forward to working with them to help move the town centre action plan forward.
“By working together on issues regarding the town centres, local businesses have a unique opportunity to increase the vitality and football of the two towns.”
Following the launch, Mr Bell said: “These are difficult times for town centres and the independent retail sector and it is good to see this recognised by Aberdeenshire Council.
“We had a great turnout for the launch of the Retail Plus Scheme in Banff and Macduff, it is clear that local retailers are passionate about their towns and want to do everything possible to provide a vibrant service to their customers.”
The initiative has been praised by local business leaders including Des Cheyne, managing director of Banff’s Spotty Bag Shop.
When it was first unveiled, Mr Cheyne said: “As far as I can see, it would be good for the business community to embrace this.
“If we can pull together in the same direction it will hopefully be enough to entice more people into our towns.”
A final meeting will be held on Wednesday September 24 from 6.30pm. Retailers can find out more about the scheme and meet the consultants.